501.BC Indonesia/6–548: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia1
us urgent
245. Dutch Amb called at his request on Under Sec Jun 5. He stated he and his Govt were greatly disturbed by reports from Batavia indicating existence of friction between DuBois, Vredenburch. Van Kleffens expressing high regard DuBois and Vredenburch stated he on his own initiative dispatched tel to Vredenburch pointing out absolute necessity maintaining cordial personal relationship with DuBois and suggesting greater restraint Vredenburch’s manner in negotiations. Under Sec commenting on fact that DuBois originally sympathetic to Neth position said evidence of friction between DuBois and Vredenburch had come as unpleasant surprise to Dept which was occasioned great concern thereby. Under Sec then conveyed to van Kleffens substance Gocus 2942 stating van Kleffens must regard info for background only not to be passed on to anyone at Hague or Batavia and not to indicate to anyone that such tel had been dispatched by DuBois to Dept.
During ensuing conversation van Kleffens stated categorically and as Amb Neth Govt Hague (a) that Neth Govt determined to reach agreement with Repub in present negotiations such agreement to be based squarely on Renville principles; that Vredenburch could not therefore intend suspend negotiations nor could he conceivably fail to share Neth Govt’s desire to reach agreement; that Repub deliberately circulating rumors to effect Neth does not want to reach agreement and is planning police action because Repub has no desire to reach agreement present negotiations and wishes to saddle Neth with blame; (b) that Neth Govt plans no milit action (which action van Kleffens characterized as obvious foolishness) and (c) that Bandoeng conference purely consultative in character planned by non-Repub states not by Dutch and in no way calculated to hypothecate course or objective of present negotiations before GOC. Above points [Page 215] elicited by questions from Dept officers who suggested urgent necessity Vredenburch making similar points equally clear to GOC and to DuBois in particular. Van Kleff ens replied he would request Hague so to instruct Vredenburch.
Van Kleffens then dilated on fact Neths record before GOC since signing Renville agreement demonstrates Neth good faith and Repub’s essential unwillingness to reach agreement. As evidence of Repub’s bad faith USSR-Repub consular exchange cited; as evidence of Dutch desire to be reasonable copy of aide-mémoire Jun 3 handed Under Sec. Van Kleffens then handed Under Sec copy of Aneta interview with Soedirman Soerakarta Jun 4 in which Soedirman announced general mobilization TNI “to withstand Neth aggression” and suggesting possibility “Republican Army taking matters into its own hands”.
Van Kleffens asked on instructions that Dept make clear to Repub that it determined agreement be reached on Renville principles and that such required strict compliance principle one providing Neth sovereignty NEI. Questions from Dept officers elicited from van Kleffens clear indication that Neth prepared to compromise on foreign representation now abroad and demobilization TNI if convinced that Repub acting in good faith. Van Kleffens stated in his opinion nothing as effective in connection suggested démarche as Dept announcement that it had removed from Eximbank loan project condition that Repub must join interim govt. Van Kleffens was informed that Dept has already taken steps to end that bank make loan to present govt NEI with no conditions attached but since bank’s willingness to extend loan not yet certain no announcement Dept policy this respect should be made at this time.
As result conversation it is clear to van Kleffens that Dept expects immediate improvement attitude and behavior Vredenburch.…
Gocus 2973 just received. Tels on proposals Gocus 2754 and 2925 now in preparation. Please await these replies before presenting proposal to parties.